A century ago, Europe’s most acclaimed celebrity was a fashionable, frail, Brazilian-born aviator named Alberto Santos-Dumont. The first to fly an airplane in Europe, he also pioneered the first practical dirigibles, or powered balloons, and his daring exploits captivated the public.

Save when you buy the DVD and book together!

A fearless test pilot and innovator, Santos-Dumont pursued a unique vision of the flying machine as a personal vehicle -- he delighted in steering his airship down the Paris boulevards and dropping in at cafes and garden parties. But his burst of glory was short-lived. When the Wright Brothers finally unveiled their airplane – in France – they instantly eclipsed Santos-Dumont’s fame. Eventually, Santos-Dumont slipped into illness and despair, tormented by the knowledge that the airplane, which he believed to be his invention, had become a lethal weapon of war.

Based on the acclaimed biography by Paul Hoffman, Wings of Madness tells the colorful and tragic life of this neglected pioneer and brilliant technical improviser, who cut a dashing figure in turn-of-the-century Paris.

Special DVD features include: materials and activities for educators; a link to the NOVA Web site; scene selections; closed captions; and described video for the visually impaired.

On one DVD5 disc. Region coding: Region 1. Audio: Dolby stereo. Screen format: Letterboxed.

Book Details:

On October 19, 1901, the people of Paris turned out by the thousands to watch a dashing, impeccably dressed Brazilian-born inventor, Alberto Santos-Dumont, conquer the skies. His fragile, gas-powered balloon made an astounding half-hour flight over the city and around the Eiffel Tower. Later, he piloted Europe's first-ever airplane flight. For a brief moment of glory, Santos was the toast of Paris and acclaimed around the world. Then, eclipsed by the growing fame of the Wright brothers, Santos began slipping into illness and depression. During World War I, the airplane, which he believed to be his own invention, became a lethal weapon, a turn of events that eventually drove him to despair and suicide.